Following on the energy policy objectives established at the European Council of March 2007, the Commission put forth a Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) as part of meeting the targets established for greenhouse gas emissions reductions, reductions in total primary energy use, improved energy efficiency and an increase in renewable energy sources. It will facilitate achievement of the 2020 targets and the 2050 vision of the Energy Policy for Europe, by accelerating innovation in cutting edge European low-carbon technologies. To achieve 2020 targets, technologies contributing to achieving them are available or in the final stages of development. However market penetration obstacles remain, which the SET-Plan proposes a two track approach for: -Reinforced research to lower costs and improve performance -Pro-active support measures to create business opportunities, stimulate market development and address non-technological barriers The SET-Plan proposes to deliver four results: 1-Joint strategic planning -Establishment of a Steering Group on Strategic Energy Technologies, and an open-access information and knowledge management system 2-More effective implementation, leveraging the potential of public intervention, industry and researchers -Establishing new industrial initiatives, in wind, solar, bio-energy, CCS, smart electricity grids and sustainable nuclear fission -Establishing new industrial initiatives, in wind, solar, bio-energy, CCS, smart electricity grids and sustainable nuclear fission -Creating a European energy research alliance -Initiating European energy infrastructure networks and systems transition planning 3-An increase in resources -Mobilising additional financial resources, increasing investment in research and related infrastructures -Improving education and training to deliver the human resources required 4-A new and reinforced approach to international cooperation -Reinforcing international cooperation and ensuring the EU speaks with one voice in international fora